Obituary of Thelma Ruth Wilfong

“Absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” The faith of Thelma R. Wilfong was made sight at 11am Sunday, January 31, 2016 as she left her earthly home and flew to the arms of Jesus. She was born in Upshur County on July 6, 1919, a daughter of the late Oran and Alma Mayo Smallwood. She was united in marriage on July 10, 1937 to William G. Wilfong, who preceded her in death in 1961. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was preceded in death by sons: Robert L. Wilfong. Steven L. Wilfong, Kenneth R. Wilfong; brother Orla Smallwood and grandson Ricky Lamb. Thelma was very proud of her surviving five generations which include: Three children in Buckhannon: Irene (Alec) Ross, Patty L. Pletcher, with whom she made her home, and Jerry (Debbie) Wilfong; six grandchildren: Pam (Rich) Reed of Prairieville, LA, Alexis (Butch) Butcher of Buckhannon, Ginger (Rick) Lamb of Hepzibah, Gwen Hawkins of Nutter Fort, Chip (Sherry) Pletcher of Bruceton Mills, Nick (Samantha) Wilfong of French Creek and Van Robert (Wilfong) McFarland; thirteen great grandchildren: Dustin (April) Post, Brittany (Matt) Bennett, Tyson (Julie) Lamb, Ross Reed, Josh (Alaina) Reed, Aaron Cable, Abby Pletcher, James, Alex and Charles Hawkins, Paige Butcher (Drew) McDaniels, Jordan Butcher and Brooke Nikole Wilfong (to be born February 5, 2016) seven great-great grandchildren: Brock and Emmy Post, Landon Lamb, Emberlee and Abilene Bennett, Maddison Lamb and Brynn Reed. Thelma was a member of West Buckhannon United Methodist Church and enjoyed quilting, crocheting, going for long drives, reading, doting on her family and spoiling her many generations of grandchildren. She retired from Perce Ross Men’s and Ladies Wear. When Thelma was widowed, she was left with young children to raise alone. In the face of adversity, she guided her family with strength and courage. Following God’s instructions in the Bible, she trained up her children in the way they should go and left her family a great legacy of unwavering faith. She was the matriarch of her family and was a great source of wisdom. She was Mom, Grandma and Aunt Peg to many – and a friend to all. Friends will be received Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 2 PM Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Calvin McCutcheon and Pastor Bob Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Bailey Cemetery in Buckhannon. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.